Strength in Numbers

Ephesians 2:20-21 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.

 After the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, a seven-year-old boy—whose father was missing—said, “I know now what a second is. . . . One second you’re here, and next second you’re gone.” A young girl, with tears in her eyes, said, “I don’t understand it. I can’t forget it. I may get over it some day, but I think it’s going to take a long, long time.”

 Then, a local minister spoke of the recovery effort in emotional sentences:

We are pulling together.

We are helping each other.

We are united as never before.

And God is with us as never before.

God is with us nearer than breathing.

God will bring us through this.

We believe that with all our hearts.

 In a sense, we find ourselves in a similar situation—coming out of a pandemic which has taken lives. What will our young people remember? What will you remember?

 That minister spoke from first-hand experience—working alone, his effectiveness was limited. Even a group of dedicated, God-fearing individuals could not fix the mess. We, as God’s hands, need to pull together, help each other, be united, and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will bring us through. Do you believe that with all your heart?

 Our church is gearing up for applying congregation-strength to making God’s house—you and me—stronger, more dedicated, and more efficient in spreading the kingdom of God in our community. No matter how talented you are or how fervent you are, you can’t do it alone. You have two hands, so clasp each with another’s hand and we can create a strong chain of dedicated disciples. But, keep in mind that the chain will break at its weakest link. So, …

 Pray for faith and courage—for yourself and for the church. If we believe with all our hearts, the blessings and benefits to our community will be more than generous, maybe even surprising. As soon as you are able, come to worship and join hands. We need you.

Here’s a little example of the chain of love.  It’s got a surprise ending.